How the tax works
Washington's adult-use cannabis excise is 37% of the price before tax. Ordinary state and local sales tax also applies to that same pretax price; the 37% excise is not added to the sales-tax base. A $100 pretax Seattle purchase at the checked 10.55% sales rate has $37 excise, $10.55 sales tax and a $147.55 total. Washington shelf prices must include the excise, so remove it before entering a tax-inclusive quoted price; $137 consisting only of a $100 price and $37 excise corresponds to a $100 input.
Medical treatment depends on both the shopper and product. A patient or designated provider with a valid recognition card at a medically endorsed retailer owes 37% excise but no sales tax on an ordinary cannabis product. If that product also meets Department of Health testing, labeling and logo rules, both taxes are exempt. A card, seller or product that does not meet those conditions uses the ordinary adult-use calculation. Other special high-CBD or low-THC sales exemptions are outside this tool; confirm them with the retailer.
Use a pretax retail price after discounts, excluding separately stated taxes. Tax-inclusive advertised prices must be converted to a pretax price first. Store fees, delivery charges and receipt rounding can change the amount owed; this estimate does not resolve their tax treatment.
Sources and limits
- Washington law: 37% cannabis retail excise
- Washington DOR: cannabis retailers
- Washington DOR: medically endorsed retailers
- Washington DOH: medical excise exemption FAQ
- Washington DOR: local sales tax by city
Rates and eligibility can change. Check the official sources, your transaction type and location before relying on a checkout estimate. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.